"The exercises of Practical Life provide the foundation for all other activities in the Montessori classroom, fulfilling the child’s plea: “Help me to do it myself!” Through exercises in daily living, such as pouring and scrubbing, sewing and gardening, or practicing grace and courtesy, the child gains confidence and mastery of the environment, After individual skills are refined, children apply them in purposeful work, such as serving juice or polishing. Specifically, these activities contribute to the control and coordination of movement, development of concentration, and the self-esteem that comes with making a real contribution to the group."*

At St. Matthew's Preschool, we strive to provide a nurturing, creative, stimulating and safe environment where our children can grow physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually every day. We prepare our children to face the challenges they may encounter through various stages of their learning life.We present the children with lessons that are age appropriate and focus on the learning needs of each individual student.Our curriculum is designed by our director and is Montessori inspired with a seasonal/thematic focus. New activities and learning opportunities are presented daily to the children, along with a teacher directed lesson demonstrating how to complete the work. After the lesson, the activity is placed on the shelf as a child choice job to complete.We formally assess the children's skills three times a year and work toward the goal of a comfortable transition into kindergarten.

Above all, we want our students to like school and learning. It is veryimportant to us that each child leave St. Matthew's with a good firstschool experience and look forward to beginning new challenges attheir elementary school.

Sensorial

"Children from birth to age six are in their “sensitive period” for exploring the world through their senses. Maria Montessori encouraged us to provide children with many opportunities to organize the sensory impressions they’ve been receiving since birth. By your careful selection of items of different textures, colors, sizes, and geometric shapes, children will discover relationships and exclaim, “This bolt is a hexagon,” or “This cloth is rough.” Sensorial experiences also indirectly prepare children for future exploration of language, mathematics, geometry, art, and music."*

Mathematics"All of their work with the Practical Life and Sensorial materials brings order to children’s experiences, important indirect preparation for the mathematical mind. The developing child yearns to organize, classify, and abstract. Fortunately the whole world obliges with toes to count, temperatures to read, rain to gauge, and clocks to check. The Montessori math lessons lead the child through progressive hands-on activities, emphasizing concepts while preparing the child for abstractions. The extensions and variations we offer complement and support work with Montessori’s legendary math materials."*

Language"Montessori perceived the miracle of language development as 'a treasure prepared in the unconscious, which is then handed over to consciousness, and the child, in full possession of his new power, talks and talks without cessation.'Absorbing and perfecting language depends on human contact, but language is not taught. Words are the labels for our experiences. A child who has varied experiences and is given the words for those experiences will develop a well-rounded means of expression. Just as a rich vocabulary is dependent on the child’s experience, the transition to reading and writing is dependent on a strong vocabulary. Soon, the child, explorer of the world, will be able to express thoughts and understand and interpret the thoughts of others."*

Geography & Culture (4s)"Geography is the study of place and how humans have adapted to all of Earth’s environments. Physical geography looks at the outward appearance of the environment. Cultural geography looks at what Maria Montessori called humankind’s ability to 'continue the work of creation.' Through meeting the basic human needs for food, shelter; and clothing, groups of people developed language, tools, transportation, rituals and celebrations, religion, music, art, and crafts. By celebrating other traditions with food, music, and stories, children can begin to see the uniqueness of other cultures, yet come to understand how much we all have in common."*

Outdoor LearningThere are just as many things to explore and learn about outdoors as there are indoors! Our playground has been designed to promote positive physical health as well as exploration of nature. We believe that young children belong outside running, jumping and playing in the fresh air! Outdoor time is planned into our curriculum and our playground was designed with the concept of having the children outdoors daily when weather permitting.Our Outdoor Learning Environment consists of equipment and activities to build and strengthen all areas of development and promote self confidence.

Art"Art, like language or music, is a means of expression. Opportunities for art should always be a part of the classroom environment and not a special event. When children are able to choose art materials freely, they feel respected and satisfied with their abilities.The adult can help children prepare for art indirectly—through the varied activities of Practical Life and the exploration of the senses—and directly—by presenting materials and techniques carefully, and by encouraging without judgment."*

Music & Movement"Sometimes called “the universal language”, music adds a sensory dimension to life like nothing else. Children have an innate capacity to appreciate music of all types, and an uninhibited inclination to move, dance, and make music. Music is present in all cultures, often reflecting the character of a people by the style, melodies, tones, and instruments used. With music or without, provide children with plenty of opportunities to perfect their movements and refine coordination. Both music and movement can provide children with a way to express their own unique spirits."*

Astronomy (4s)The study of Astronomy exposes children to the idea of Earth's place in space. We introduce the universe and the solar system. Our lessons also touch on astronauts and their transportation into space. The children always enjoyour Astronomy lessons. We love observing how these lessons seem to stir up their amazing sense of wonder!

Botany (4s)Through the study of Botany children can learn thatwithout plants we could not breathe the air that we need to sustain life. An early appreciation of plant life will develop a sense of wonder and love for all living things.This love will empower our children so that they willstrive to be responsible caretakers of the Earth.

History (4s)History is the study of how people, places and things have impacted the Earth. We begin our HIstory lessons with introducing to the children the concept of time and how it is documented. We love seeing their excitement when the grasp the understanding of past, present and future.

Geology (4s)Through the study of Geology, the children can explore what the Earth is made of and it is constantly changing. The exploration of rocks, gems and fossils will all be explored throughout our Geology lessons.

Ecology (4s)One of our most important responsibilities to our children is to teach them good stewardship skills. Through our ecology lessons, we will introduce what the Earth needs to keep the balance of nature safe and how we can help. It is our goal to give the children an early start in understanding the job of caring for God's wonderful creation.

Physical Science (4s)This has to be one the children's absolute favorite subject of study. They love doing science experiments even at this early age.Through our lessons, the children can learn about physical changes, concrete and beginning abstract concepts and beginning science skills.

Zoology (4s)Zoology is the study of animals. Our zoology lessons will introduce the idea that there are other living things on our planet The children will have the opportunity to learn about and explore animal needs and characteristics. We also explore the importance of caring for animals and our responsibility of respecting all creatures.

Bible Lessons & Daily DevotionsWe are a faith-based Christian school. The children will have a daily short and simple devotion time. We introduce Bible stories and lessons to the children that are age appropriate and meaningful to our young learners. We pray before snack time and model strong Christian character. We stress kindness always to everyone as a way to serve God.